How Chiefs wide receiver Nikko Remigio battled disappointment to become a contributor
Chiefs wide receiver and return specialist Nikko Remigio believed he did everything in his power to make the team’s 53-man roster out of training camp.
In KC’s preseason games, he led the team in targets and receptions, plus he was the primary return man.
After spending his first year on the Chiefs’ injured reserve list, Remigio, popular with teammates and fans, started showing up on roster projections for the two-time Super Bowl champions to start the season.
Instead, Remigio was cut and resigned to the Chiefs practice squad. He was devastated..
“Without a doubt, it was one of the most difficult things I went through,” Remigio told The Star.
That’s why he has gone about the opportunity presented to him on Dec. 7, when he was added to the active roster after the injury to Mecole Hardman, with so much passion and intensity.
Remigio has been the Chiefs primary return specialist since then, returning 10 punts for a 10.0-yard average and 10 kickoffs with a 25.9-yard average.
In the Christmas Day game at Pittsburgh, Remigio’s 25 yard punt return after the Steelers opened with a three-and-out, set up the Chiefs’ first drive in plus territory and resulted in a touchdown.
Remigio likely will see plenty of action in Sunday’s regular-season finale at the Denver Broncos. With the Chiefs having clinched the top seed in the AFC playoffs, several starters are expected to get the day off, and that should enhance Remigio’s workload as a wide receiver.
He’s ready because of the investments he made while toiling on the practice squad.
“There were several things,” Remigio said. “First I entered a new spiritual journey with my relationship with God, and trusting the plan he had in store for me.
“It can be difficult when you’re trying to open doors that you can’t really see yet. You don’t what’s in front of you. Sometimes my days would feel super monotonous and it makes you question, makes you wonder.”
Remigio couldn’t help but wonder if he was in the right place. It’s great being part of a champion, but he wasn’t contributing.
“Absolutely I thought about that,” he said. “That kind of thing pops into your mind.”
Remigio also started working with sports psychologist Brett Sandwick.
“We spend so much time as professional athletes,” Remigio said, “working on our bodies, training, recovering, but how much do we work on our mind, the mental side?”
Remigio was crushed when he didn’t make the active roster. But he didn’t allow himself to wallow in the disappointment. Or in a game, if he makes a mistake.
“I felt like there were times when things were getting in my head, holding on a little too tight,” Remigio said. “Things that were out of my control.
“It was like, ‘OK, what are the next steps? Where am I lacking, where do I need to grow and improve?”
Remigio’s work ethic and approach was noticed by Chiefs coaches.
“He was extremely patient this whole year,” offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said. “He had a helluva training camp...I think it definitely tests you patience to know that when the time is right you’ll get your chance.
“He’s done that. He’s does a lot of things right. He’s still learning, but, man the kid plays so tough. He’s a true professional. I’m excited for me. You rook for guys like him.”
This story was originally published January 3, 2025 at 2:19 PM.